With all this concern about H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu) is there anything we should be careful with at Mass (such as receiving from the cup)?
Yes, there are certain precautions we should all take regarding flu and the spread of illness at all times, not just now.
First, if you are sick, you are automatically dispensed from your obligation to attend Mass. There is no sin in such a case. Don’t spread your illness. If you are sick enough to stay home from work or school, stay home from Mass. There are some in our congregation who have weakened immune systems, so please don’t put them in danger by attending Mass when you are sick. Instead, pray at home, read the readings, or watch Mass on EWTN or something. If you need to care for someone sick, you are also dispensed from your Mass obligation. By the way, hangovers do not count as illness; they are not contagious in the normal sense.
Second, wash your hands and use good hygiene. We ask all Eucharistic ministers especially to wash their hands and also to use hand sanitizer before Mass (and right before giving out communion if possible) and afterwards. Believe me, I do before and after every Mass. It works for me.
Third, should a person receive from the cup? That is your personal choice. One always receives Jesus fully—body, blood, soul, and divinity—whenever one receives the Eucharist under either form whether Body or Blood. Receiving both Body and Blood is a “fuller sign” and is encouraged, but you still receive all of Jesus even if you only receive under the species of bread. If a person even thinks they might be sick, they should not receive from the cup.
Fourth, should you shake hands? Not if you are sick. Just smile, wave, make a peace sign, nod your head, or do knuckles or elbows or something. People understand (though maybe not the elbows thing).
We don’t want to add to any hysteria, but we all should make use of common sense precautions and hygiene for ourselves and for the sake of others. And, at all times let us not forget to pray for those sick.
-Fr. Greg
If you would like submit a question, please write it out and place it in the “Ask a Priest” box in the vestibule or email me at frgreg@kc.rr.com.
